Disk harrow



' Model v 5 Sheets-Sheet 1.

H. S. HOWARD.

DISK HARROW.

No. 442,050; Patented Dec. 2, 1890.

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H. S. HOWARD. DISK HARROW.

.No. 442,050. Patented Dec. 2, 1890.

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H. srHowARD. DISK IHAREOW. No. 442,050 Patented Dec. 2,1890.

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5 Sheets-Sheet 4;

H. S. HOWARD.

DISK HARROW.

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(No Model.)

(No Model.) 5 Sheets-Sheet 5;

H. S. HOWARD;

DISK EARROW.

No. 442,050. Patented Dec. 2, 1890 slight modification; Fig. 12 and 13, detailper- UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

HARLAN S. HOlVARD, OF MADISON, \VISCONSIN.

DISK HARR OW.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 442,050, dated. December 2, 1890.

Application filed June 13, 1890.

To an whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, HARLAN S. HOWARD,a citizen of the United States, residing at Madison, in the county of Dane and State of Wisconsin, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Disk Harrows, of which the following is a specification, reference being had therein to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 represents a perspective view of my improved disk harrow and pulverizer complete; Fig. 2, a plan view thereof with the transporting frame and wheels removed; Fig. 3, a detail side view of one of the disk-carrying frames; Figs. at and 5, detail views of one of the disk gangs, showing the manner of mounting the same; Fig. (3, a detail rear elevation of a portion of the means forexerting a downward pressure upon rear ends of the disk-carrying frames; Fig. 7, a section ona'a? of Fig. (3; Figs. 8 and 9, detail perspective views of castings, which will be hereinafter described; Fig. 10, a detail plan view showing the manner of connecting the forward ends of the disk-carrying bars to the draftbeam, and Fig. 11 a perspective view of a.

spective views of the devices for preventing the inner ends of the draft-beams rising, &c.; Fig. 14, a rear elevation of the machine shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 15, a plan view thereof; Fig. 16, a detail view of one of the scrapers.

The invention relates to certain new and useful improvements upon that class of harrows and pulverizers that employ two or more gangs or series of concave-convex revolving. disks to perform the pulverizatlon of the S011, one gang or series being arranged on each side of the draft-tongue and adapted to be simultaneously shifted with respect to theirf angle to the line of draft, as will more fully hereinafter appear.

lhe invention has a number of important objects in view which will appear in the course of this specification.

In the accompanying drawings, which illustrate one mode of carrying my inventioninto practice, like letters designate like parts in all the figures.

Serial No. 355,303. (No model.)

nates an axle, supported at its ends upon a pair of suitable transportingwheels A A and provided with two forwardly-projecting arms D D, rigidly secured to the axle at its ends. Pivotally connected at its ends to the forward ends of the arms D by means of castings X is a long transverse beam B, and rigidly connected to the middle of this beam and extending rearwardly underthe axle is a tongue B, the rear end of the tongue and beam 13 being braced and connected by rigid diagonal braces G C. A transverse beam D is rigidly mounted on the rear end of the tongue and supported above and at a slight oblique angle to the same by means of me tallic arms a a, as shown in Fig. 6. Upon the rear end of the tongue is mounted the drivers seat A ,and connected to the tongue at a suitable point in front of the axle are the singletrees p p of the usual construction.

The pulverizing devices and the means for operating and adjusting the same are mounted upon and carried by the frame composed of the tongue B and the beams B and D, and this frame and the connected devices are raised bodily off the ground and adjusted and held at any desired elevation by means of a lever E, pivoted on the axle near the drivers seat, and connected to the tongue 13 by means of a link E, and provided with the usual pawl to be operated in conjunction with the toothed segment E". 15v raising the rear end of the lever the frame, with its connected devices, is depressed, and vice versa. Inasmuch as this frame and the manner of raising and lowering and adjusting it are fully shown and covered by a former application filed by me on the 13th day of August, 1888, and serially numbered 282,596, for improvements in soil-pulverizers, I do not deem a further description'or illustration of it in this application necessary or expedient.

If the exigencies of the case require it, the transporting wheels, axle, and connected parts may be removed by simply removing pivotal bolts in the castings w w and disconnecting the connecting-link E and the harrow used in the ordinary manner without transporting-wheels, 850., as shown in Fig. 2;

Referring now to Fig. 1, the letter A desigbut of course in this case the advantages of adjusting the pulverizing-disks are not obtained. V

I will now proceed to describe the pulverizing-disks, their manner of operation, and the means for operating and adjusting them. It will be observed that there are two sections or gangs of disks, one section being located upon each side of the tongue and each section being composed of three series of two disks each, each series of two disks being independent of all the others and free to adjust itself to the inequalities of the ground, as will more fully hereinafter appear.

The letters I I designate two draft-beams located below and approximately parallel with the frame-beam B and connected there to, these beams being located upon opposite To the front side of each 3 of these beams, about midway its length, is bolted a cast bracket K, which is provided with an upwardly and forwardly extending, arm K, formed with a series'of holes a a Passing loosely through the two rear apertures a a sides of the tongue.

a, as shown most clearly in Fig. 9.

of this bracket are two horizontal bars orbolts L L, which are secured attheir ends to cast brackets X X, depending from the beam B.

The bolts of each .pair are set parallel with each other, but at slightly-oblique angles to the line of draft, for a purpose hereinafter set forth. stationary, and the brackets K are free to slide upon the bolts between these brackets,

as is evident. W n 7 V V 7 To move the brackets K K back and forth upon the bolts L L, and thereby adjust the diskgangs at various angles to the line of draft, I may employ any suitable mechanism without departing from my invention; but I prefer the devices shown,as they-are positive, simple, and efficient. Theseshiftingdevices consist. of an upright lever F, pivoted on the tongue, so as to be within easy reach of thedriver, and provided with a springactuatedpawl of the usual construction adapted to operate in conjunction with a toothed segment mounted upon the tongue to hold the lever and connected parts in any of their adjusted positions, a forwardly extending link or rod H, connecting the lever F to a vertical yoke or lever H, pivoted to the tongue, a1rearwardly-extending bar or rod n,-connecting the lower end of the yoke to the end of one arm of a three-arm lever m, pivoted upon the bracket X", secured on the under side of the tongue A, and the lateral rods n )1',pivotally connecting the respective lateral arms of the lever 01:. to the forward eyes a of the brackets K, as shown most clearly in Figs. 1 and 2. By means of this series of connected levers and rods the gangs or sections may be readily adjusted and held at different'angles to the line of draft, the adjustment of both gangs being simultaneous and in opposite directions. Moving the lever F forward, as will be observed, throws the gangs The brackets X hold the bolts simultaneously inward, and vice versa. To prevent binding in the .eyes of thebrackets K the bolts L may be curved slightly to conform to the arcs of the circles in which the gangs turn. In order to throw one gang or section a little forward of. the other, shown, the bolts L L on one side are set a little forward of those upon the opposite side, for a purpose hereinafter set forth.

Each gang or section is composed of preferably three series of disk-frames, carrying two disks each, although it is obvious that a greater or less number of disks and series may beemployed without departing from the invention in the least. Each disk-carrying frame is composed of a pair of fiat metallic bars G, separated from each other and, as shown in the detail views on Sheet 2, having their forward ends clamped in recesses in the opposite edges of a cast block G by means of a horizontal bolt 1) and their rear ends bolted rigidly to the lower ends of Vertical rods 5. Cast rigidly in the forward endof the casting G. is a transverse horizontal bolt or pin 1),

these pins being pivotally secured to the rear side of beamsI Iby means of eyebolts passed through the beam. By this means each pair of disks is connected to the draft-beams, so as to have an independent vertical movement, but no material lateral movement.

Each pair of disks is clamped rigidly on an axle 0', (see Figs. 3, 4, and 5,) the ends of the axle being squared to enter square recesses in the disks to prevent the latter turning independently of the axle. A long bolt d passes through the axle longitudinally and with the assistance of washers or plates serves to clam p the disks upon the ends of the axle. The axle is journaled in a divided box 0, which is provided with an upward extension 01'', which fits between and is firmly bolted between the bars G G. The axle 0 near its ends is preferably provided with annular flanges c", which work in corresponding grooves in the divided boxc, whereby all dust and sand are prevented from entering and grinding out and clogging the bearing. The projection 05" may be provided with a passage to introduce oil into the bearing, as shown in Fig. 4. The disks are secured to the frames G G about one-third of the length of the latter from their forward ends, as shown in Fig. 3, for a purpose hereinafter set forth. Scrapers e e of suitable construction may be removably secured to bars c and so arranged as to bear upon the concave sides of the disks for the purpose of cleaning them. The vertical bars 'or rods 19, secured to 'the rear ends of the frames G of each section, pass up loosely through holes formed in a pressure-bar F, and are prevented from slipping out of these holes by suitable washers and keys on their upper ends.

Interposed between the pressure-bars F and their respective frames G, and surrounding the rods 12, are coil-springs, which exert a constant downward pressure upon the rear IIO ' bottom of the bar D.

ends of the said frames G and serve to keep each pair of disks constantly and with a resilient pressure pressed into the soil during the operation of the harrow, as will more fully hereinafter appear. Each pressure-bar F is swivelly connected about midway its length to the respective ends of the trans verse beam D by means of a clevis or loop f, pivotally bolted to the bar D by means of a vertical bolt f, passing through the said bar and between the upper ends of two vertical plates g g, rigidly bolted to the pressure-bar by a horizontal bolt g, as clearly shown in Figs. -6 and 7. The upper end of the clevisf is preferably provided with a short tubular extension f, that works in a similar opening or recess in a wearing-plate secured to the The openings in the ends of the bar D, through which the vertical pivotal bolts f f pass, are elongated longitudinally, as shown at the right-hand side of Fig. 6, to permit of a limited lateral adjustment of the rear pivotal or swivel connection of each section of the harrow. By thus swivelly connecting each section at the middle of its rear side to the frame and at its front side to the front beam of the frame in the manner shown, each section is independen'tly free to rock transversely of the machine and accommodate itself to the inequalities and undulations of the soil,,and at the same time is free to be adjusted at various angles to the line of draft. The soil is thus thoroughly worked and pulverized, whether it be level or of an undulatory character. By making each pair of disks independent of the test they are permitted to accommodate themselves more closely tothe surface of the ground and to more readily ride or pass over obstructions in their paths. The springs at the rear of each disk frame or bar exert a constant even downward pressure upon the disks, which causes them to enter the soil as soon as the machine is started and keeps them therein at an even depth While in operation, thereby insuring an even thorough pulverization of the. 'soil and permitting of a flexibility and resiliency of action that will not only lessen the draft, but will insure the harrow working as thoroughly and easily on rough undulating soil as on level ground. I prefer to attach the disks to their carrying frames or bars at points forward of the middle of the lattersay about one-third of their length from their forward ends, as shown in Fig. 3. This augments the power of the pressure-springs at the rear and causes them to press the disks into the soil with a considerable degree of force, the power of the pressure being determined by the strength of the springs and the nearness of the disks to the t'ulcra or pivotal points of the bars or frames. The pressure may be increased by moving the disks nearer to the forward ends of their carryingframes; but I prefer the location shown, as by that arrangement a sufficient vertical movement is permitted the disks, while at the same time the force of the spring is suiiiciently au mented. By arranging one section or gang in front of the other the inner disks of the two sections will come nearly in line with each other when the sections are shifted inwardly, thereby preventing the formation of a centralridge in the line of draft and insuring the cultivation of the ground equally and thoroughly.

When the sulky or carriage is used, as in Fig. 1, the depth at which the disks w or]; is regulated by the lever E on the axle. This is particularly valuable and advantageous when working upon spring-plowed sod, as an angle can be given to the disks sufficient to thoroughly pulverize the soil and the depth of the disks readily regulated tosuit the exigencies of each case. Thus mounting the harrow on transporting-wheels is also valuable in cultivating variable soil, where some is very hard and other parts quite soft. Here the ordinary disk harrow has to be set at its greatest angle 2 to work the hard soil properly, so that when straight will sink deep the harrow encounters a soft partof the soil the disks if not shifted back again nearly into the soil and depth throughout.

The carriage is also important in transporting the machine, as a i great deal of wear upon the disks is thereby avoided. The scrapers e are secured to the bar e, and this bar is removably clamped to the bars G by a casting e, whereby when it is desired the scrapers may be removed back on the bars G out of engagement with the disks.

The bar F is preferably constructed of two separated flat bars bolted together and to interposed castings 11", through which the spring-surrounded bars b pass, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7.

In lieu of the rods 1)" and the springs surroundingthem,the disk bars orframes may be connected to the pressure-bar F by the means shown in Fig. ll-that is, they may be connected by means of jointed bolts, the adjacent ends of the bolts being connected by means of eyes formed on the bolts, as shown.

This would do away with the advantages attendant upon the use of the springs, but by reason of the double eyebolt connections, would possess alimited flexibility. When the inner ends of the gangs or sections are thrown or shifted inward and the disks are running obliquely to the line of draft, there is a considerable tendency on the part of the inner ends of the sect-ions to rise out of the ground. To counteract this tendency of the inner ends of the gangs to rise out of the earth, I bolt upon the inner ends of the draftbeains D D castings or parts I, as shown in Figs. 12 and 13, which bear upon the under side of curved bars or braces J J, secured to the tongue and front beam B. These braces J and the bearing parts I serve to limit the is materially lessened.

upward movement of thesections-at whatever angle they may be placed, but attlre same-time do not prevent the inner ends of the sections falling freely to accommodate themselves to undulating soil, th us preserving thevaluable feature of the rocking. or oscillation of the sections and preventing theirinner ends from leaving their work. This tendencyon the-part of the sections when the disks are working at an angle would, if not relieved,.exert a. great lateral pressure-imvardly upontheswivel-connections at the rear. lateral pressure and relieve the pivotal con: nections, I provide each of the parts- I-" with an upward extension I", which bears against the rear side of therespectivebars J J. By reason of thecurvatureof these barsJ' the projections on the parts I bear against thebars all the time at whatever angleythe, disks are working, thereby relieving the pivotal connections of undue inward lateral pressure. at all times. Toreduce the frictiomthis projection I" may be provided with ananti-f-ric' tion roller or revolving sleeve, as shown-in Fig. 13.

An essential, advantage in arranging the pairs of disks as shown and employing springsat therear ends of their frames to augment the pressure is that Vthedraft' of the machine The greatenthe angle of the disks with respect to the lineof draft the greater willbe the force required to drawthe machine. Therefore any machine that will lessen the angle of the disksrequired for thorough pulverization of: the soil will lessen the draft of such machine, as is'evident. In my harrow the arrangement issuch thatlthe soil can be thoroughly worked with the disks at a less angle than in other machinesof like nature. Therefore the draft is greatly lessened and the draft-animals devices relieved.

I wish it understood thatmyinvention is not confined to the exact featuresof construction herein shown and described, as anyskilled mechanic might vary this construction somewhat without departing from the invention in the least.

Having thus fully described m-y'invention, what I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. The combination of an axle. supported on wheels and having projectingfrom its-ends arms D D, a frame pi-votallyhung to the ends of these arms, a tongue connected to this frame,a leverfulcrumed on the axleand connected to the said frame for raising and adjusting. the same, and a pair of sectionsor gangs connected to the said fram e and adapted to be raised and lowered with the same, substantially as described.

2. The combination of a-carriage,a vertically-adjustable framehung thereto and removable therefrom, a pair ofsections or gangs swivellyand pivotally connected thereto. and

located one forward of K theother,-=and means- To take up this-inward.

for shifting the said sections, substantially as described.

3. The combination of a frame, a pair of gang-sections pivotally hung to' said frame at the middle-of their rear sidesand adj ustably connected thereto at their front sides, and

means for-positively shiftingand holding the cured to' the front of the sections and" pro vided with forwardly-proj ecting arms formed with holes a a", stationary bolts or rods L L,.securedto the said beam B and passing through the apertures a a,and means for shifting the sections, substantially as described.

6. Thecombination ofa frame, two pairs of parallel rods LL carried thereby, one'pair being forward of the other and on opposite sides ofthe tongue, and disk-sections-provided with arms adapted-to engage andslide upon thesaid rods, substantially as described.

7. The combination of a frame, a pair of disk-sectionsadjustably connected at their front sidestothe frame, and swivels f f, pivotally connected to the rear sidesof thedisksections-and pivotally connected to'the'said frame, whereby the sections are free to oscillate. or rock and be adjusted with respect-to each other, substantially as described.

8. The combination of frame, the laterally-adjustable swinging sections connected thereto, and bars or plates J J secured to the frame and: adapted tobear upon metallic platesor parts-1' on :the inner forward corners of the sections, substantially as described.

9. The combination of a frame carrying oscillatory disk-sections, and bars J J, se cured to the frame and adapted to bearuponthe inner" ends of the sections at whatever point. they be adjusted, substantially as de-' scribed.

10. The combination of a frame carrying laterally-adjustable oscillatory. sections,- an upward projection I" on the inner forward ends of the said sections,and 'bars J J carried of disks connected to the said frames forward of the middle of their length, upwardly-extending rods connected to the rear ends of the frames and passing through abar carried by the frame, and springs surrounding these rods and adapted to bear down with a yielding pressure upon the rear ends of said frames, substantially as described.

13. The combination of a tongue carrying a front beam B and a rear beam 1), apair of disk-carrying sections consisting each of a front draft-beam and a rearpressure-bar and disk-carrying yielding frames, these sections being connected adj ustably at their front sides to the front beam B and at their rear sides pivotally connected to the ends of the rear beam D, and means for adjusting these sections.

141. The combination, with beam I, of the disk-carrying frames consisting of ,tlatbars G G, bolted to castings G at their forward ends,

these castings G having cast in them the pivotal pins b, and eyebolts for loosely securing this pin 1) to the beam I.

15. A disk-axle carrying disks and provided near its ends with annular flanges and a twopart journal-box provided with interior annular grooves corresponding to said annular flanges.

16. The combination of a frame composed of bars G G, secured together and provided with disks, scrapers e e, secured on a rod e, and a clamp e", removably and adj ustably securing the said rod 6 to the frame, substantially as described.

17. The combination of the frame carrying the braces or bars J J, the disk-carrying sections pivotally connected to the said frame, and an upward projection 1" on the inner forward ends of the said sections, these projections carrying anti-friction rollers adapted to bear against the braces J J, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

H ARLAN S. HOWARD.

Witnesses:

J OHN GEORGE KANOUSE, RUFUS PAUL HOWARD. 

